Changes in properties of thermal insulations under certain environmental effects

Abstract Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for the construction sector. Heating of buildings requires the burning of fossil fuels, which can be significantly reduced by insulating the building envelope. Nowadays, the thermal insulation of buildings is essential. There are several important, well-known data about most thermal insulation materials, but there is only negligible information about the change of their properties under installation conditions or if they are already exposed to additional stresses due to structural failures and damages. This study aimed to examine the changes in properties of three common thermal insulation materials when installed in a flat roof or facade and exposed to excess moisture due to the damage of waterproofing or façade and/or when exposed to direct strong sunlight.